I enjoyed the Olympics – not hour after hour but, the highlights. I especially like the personal interest stories about the athletes. But, my goodness, they seem to get younger and younger with each Olympics; or more likely, I’m just getting older!

I admire the young athletes – their disciple and focus. I am encouraged by their dedication and the joy on their faces. It gives me hope that not all young people are protesting or looting or wrecking their future with drugs and sex. These kids are focused. And hopefully, they won’t get sidetracked by fame or wealth that may come their way. It can be heady stuff and easily divert a young person. It almost did Michael Phelps but he was able to get back on track.

My pastor’s daughter is in the Paralympics starting in Rio, September 11th. She will run the 100, 200, 400 meter races. Her name is . We are all so proud of her. In 2010 she gave birth to her son but contracted a very rare blood disorder and her leg had to amputated below the knee.

She showed incredible courage and resilience – as did her parents. She rose above the situation, didn’t yield to self-pity. She didn’t lose faith through the struggle, her marriage survived and she is stronger now than ever. Her son is as cute as a bug and her husband is supportive and steady. She has worked so hard to be where she is and has a sweet testimony of the faithfulness of God.

Her training has been intense and she’s gotten the skills and speed to show for it. She is admired by all who know her journey.

It happened at the same time her leg was amputated that I knew a man in a horrific car accident. He lost his left arm. But he lost much more than that. He lost courage, faith, perseverance and pride. Now he hides from life and people. His self-worth was all wrapped up in his image – an amputated left arm didn’t fit the image he wanted to portray. It is really sad. But he made his choice. Maybe one day he’ll try to redeem what he lost.

Pray for my pastor’s daughter, Liz Willis, and watch her run like the wind! NBC will broadcast some of those games.

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